It is that time of the year again! Beginning October 15th, Stone Crab season begins and extends until May 15th. Throughout the gulf coast and keys of Florida, fishermen are getting prepared to set their traps... marking the start of an anticipated 3.1 million pound harvest, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The stone crab claws are definitely a delicacy... the meat is incredibly sweet and has a distinctive taste found in no other seafood. The claws make up half the weight of the whole crab, they are removed by carefully grabbing from the rear and twisting. There are serious rules to be followed in harvesting the claws. Only one claw may be removed so the crab can defend itself. Egg bearing females are not allowed to be declawed.The crabs are captured in baited traps. No spears or hooks are allowed. The crab is returned to water and the claw regenerates. It takes between 12 to 24 months to reach legal size again.
For those of us Florida residents and visitors lucky enough to be here next week, Frenchy's 25th Anniversary Stone Crab Weekend will launch the season in style! October 16th, 17th & 18th, they will be offering Stone Crab at wholesale prices all weekend, while supplies last! We LOVE the Beach Party atmoshere and this year there will be a huge block party with live music. The PURTEE Team can't wait!
On the other hand, if you are not able to join the celebration we have found a place that will ship directly to your home. At Joe's Stone Crabs, "We'll ship them overnight wherever you are in the continental United States and they'll arrive fresh, ice cold and ready for cracking. Our complete package meals come with a mallet, a cracking board, cocktail forks, bibs, and instructions."
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